by Katie Dowe
“Nervous?” He asked.
Kenzie nodded.
“You’ll be fine. I just know it.”
When they arrived, the band was already set up, but they looked dubious. Gianni took a seat where he could watch her up close. The music started. She closed her eyes, shutting out the world, trying to recapture the memory of how she’d felt so many months before. In an instant she was flooded with images of her and Gianni. She decided to go with that instead.
“Baby, I’ve been losing so much sleep, thinking about the memories that used to be...”
She felt her heart lighten as the words came naturally. They were her words, feelings and experiences that were hers to share. She almost wanted to jump up and down, but she didn’t want to lose the moment. So, she sang until her throat hurt, until her lungs were screaming for air. It felt better than it ever had before. They were able to run through the set before they called it a day.
“Did you hear that?” She asked excitedly as she hugged Gianni.
“I heard. You sound amazing.”
Kenzie squealed with delight. For the first time in days, she wasn’t confused. Singing was the most important thing in her life, the only thing she wanted. The thought of the crowds still made her nervous, but she knew she could handle them if Gianni was by her side. The fear had been pushed aside for the time being, she could celebrate.
As they pushed out of the studio, Cassie stood nearby with Ben. She was surprised to see them there. Then she remembered the date that she had blown off with Ben. Embarrassment flooded through her. Cassie looked irritated like she always did lately. She glanced at Gianni only briefly before she turned back to Kenzie.
“You can’t call people anymore?”
“Sorry, I was going through some things.”
Cassie rolled her eyes. “Whatever. You ditch me, ditch your date with Ben and all we get is you were going through some things. It’s so selfish, Kenzie.”
Kenzie glanced over at Ben who seemed to be looking at anything but her. She reached out a hand, placing it on his arm. When he looked up, he wore an embarrassed smile, she could see the pink flush on his cheeks.
“I’m really sorry I blew you off. I should have at least called and said something.”
Ben shrugged. “It’s okay. I keep trying to tell Cassie that it’s fine, but she won’t let up.”
“You’re right I won’t let up. What’s going on with you?”
Kenzie raised an eyebrow at her friend. “I don’t know what your problem is, but I’m not going to let you ruin my day. I apologized, I’m trying to fix my mistakes, but you’re just being ridiculous. Call me when you grow up.”
As she walked away, Gianni next to her, she heard Cassie scoff. Kenzie didn’t care, she wasn’t going to let Cassie make her feel bad, put her back into that dark place she’d just escaped from. Life was too good at the moment.
“I don’t know what you’re so happy about,” Cassie called after her. “You were able to sing in front of ten people. I hope you don’t choke on the stage.”
Kenzie turned around slowly, her mouth slightly open at Cassie’s words. Cassie had her arms folded over her chest, the smirk on her face made anger bubble up inside of Kenzie. She couldn’t believe her friend, her best friend, would say something like that. She didn’t want to give Cassie the satisfaction of the look of hurt that crossed her features. Ben looked just as shocked as she had, his eyes on Kenzie. She knew what he was thinking, that she was going to lash her, her temper would take over. Instead, she turned, walked out of the door to the outside world.
If she’d thought that going outside would make her feel better, she was wrong. A group of people stood outside. They snapped pictures as she tried to cover her face, bellowed questions at her that were indecipherable as their words collided into each other. Gianni cleared a path, pushing her through the throng of people before they reached the car. When they were inside, people still leaned up against the sides of the hot car, leaned into their windows trying to catch a glimpse of her. Gianni honked and honked until a path was finally cleared. Then they were gone, leaving the people on the sidewalk as they flew down the road at top speed.
Kenzie covered her face with her hands. She breathed slowly as she tried to regain control of her breathing and her mind. It never seemed to fail that as soon as she was happy, something came along to screw it all up. She kicked off her shoes, ran her toes over the carpet. It seemed to comfort her somewhat. Like driving with her dad in his car when she was little. When things had been so blissfully and painfully simple.
No matter how hard she tried, Kenzie couldn’t get the image of Cassie out of her head. She couldn’t understand why the woman would want to hurt her like that, they’d been friends for so long. Something made her feel uneasy about it, but she couldn’t put her finger on what. At least Ben seemed to forgive her pretty easily, for that she was grateful. The good thing was that he hadn’t asked for another date. There was no way she could have done it, not when she was falling for Gianni more and more every day.
As they drove back to the house, a million thoughts raced through her mind. She couldn’t seem to quiet her brain. Gianni seemed to sense that. He did what he did best, stayed quiet, letting her have some time to herself. When they reached the house, she wasn't ready to go back inside just yet. Instead, she changed into a pair of blue jean shorts, a tank top and pinned her hair up into a bun.
“I’m going for a walk. Coming?” She asked as she poked her head into Gianni’s room.
The man looked up at her before nodding. He had been lounging on the bed, a book in his hands. He dressed quickly before he followed her out of the house. The day was still hot, the sun bearing down on them as they walked down the road together. She had a plan to find that little stream again. Water seemed to help her think.
“So,” Gianni said, his voice breaking into her thoughts, “you were going to go on a date with Ben?”
Kenzie felt embarrassment flare up as he said it. She didn’t think he’d been close enough to hear, or maybe she just didn’t want to think he had heard. In either case, he was staring at her now, she could feel his eyes burning into her face. She kept her gaze straight ahead.
“Well, yes. You were gone, I had nothing to lose. Why wouldn’t I?”
Gianni seemed to think this over. “Do you still want to go out with him?”
“No, I don’t,” she said quickly.
“Why?” She could hear him smirking as she spoke, so she glanced at him. Sure enough he was smiling.
Kenzie hit him in the arm. She wasn’t going to say anything now that he had that smug grin on his face. Still, they both knew it was because of him that she wouldn’t be seeing Benjamin.
They walked to the spot Kenzie had found before. Their feet slid over rocks, twigs and dirt as they made their way down to the stream. The sun filtered through the trees making the whole area seem warm, alive. She knelt at the stream, watched a fish dash away from her as her shadow fell on it.
“I grew up in a place like this,” Gianni said as he lowered himself to the ground next to her. “My dad hated the city, always insisted that we spend as much time at the cabin as possible. That did not go over so well with my mother.”
“She liked the city?”
“Thrived on it,” Gianni said. “If she couldn’t see neon lights, smell smog or hear people yelling on the streets, she wasn’t a happy camper. They made it work though. As opposite as they were, they always made sure to consider each other.”
Kenzie smiled. “They sound like great people.”
“They were great people. Mom passed when I was in high school, cancer. Dad lived for a long while after, he didn’t go until a year ago.”
“I’m so sorry.”
Gianni smiled. “It’s okay, that life. They were happy with their lives, so I try to live like them. I haven’t always been good at it so far, but I know it’ll get better one day. I’ll meet a nice girl, settle down, st
art a huge family…”
Kenzie groaned. “Really? Kids?”
“What’s wrong with kids?”
“They’re gross, they cry, they’re messy.”
Gianni seemed to ponder her words. “That sounds a lot like you on a bad day.”
Kenzie’s opened mouth sent Gianni into a fit of laughter. She walked over to him before smacking his hand. When he kept laughing, she crossed her arms, puffed out her lips as she pouted. He reached up, trying to grab her arm, but she wouldn’t let him. Finally, he grabbed a hold of her, pulling her down into his lap.
“Look at you, pouting. See? Kid.”
“Well, if I’m a kid you’re a dirty old man.”
“I’m only thirty-two, that’s not old.”
“Cradle robber.”
They smiled as their lips met. His hands roamed up her sides, gripped her hips as the kiss deepened. Kenzie lost herself, let the problems of the day melt away in his embrace. They sat that way for a long time. His arms wrapped around her body, their lips pressed tightly together as the sun slid through the trees, warming their skin. When they pulled back from each other, she leaned back against his chest. Kenzie liked the way the silence between them was so calm, serene. There was no need for words if they didn’t want them because they knew how they felt. It was a relief to Kenzie to not have to say anything for once.
At some point, the quiet sounds of the woods, the sound of the running stream lulled them to sleep. Gianni leaned up against a tree as she rested her head on his chest. They slept together until the air started to cool, the chill waking their bodies up from their peaceful slumber. Kenzie woke up slowly, rubbed the sleep from her eyes as she looked around. It was getting dark.
She shook Gianni awake before they both climbed back up to the road. A single truck passed them as they walked, the driver not even sparing them a glance. Kenzie felt her stomach protest as they walked back to the house together, the only thing on her mind was food, sex then sleep. In that order.
Chapter 8
Kenzie moaned as she wrapped her leg around Gianni’s sleeping form. She could feel the sunlight trying to pry her eyes open, but she closed them firmly, refusing to believe that it was really morning. His warm skin beneath hers gave her some comfort.
They had spent the night talking, laughing and falling into bed multiple times before they both passed out, their bodies exhausted but satisfied. She didn’t want to let go of those warm, happy memories to face the day.
Slowly, she opened her eyes. Gianni’s eyes were only barely opened as he looked back at her. A smile formed on her lips, the familiar speeding up of her heart echoed in her chest. She reached out her hand, long, thin fingers brushed over his cheeks and ran over the firm chin that had started to sprout stubble. She moved closer to him, rested her head under that chin. He stroked her hair softly.
“I don’t want to spoil the moment, but your album comes out today. Don’t you want to know how it’s doing?”
Kenzie shook her head firmly. “No. If it’s good, it’ll only make me more nervous about the show. If it’s doing badly, well it’ll make my whole day horrible.”
She felt his hand drift to her back, his nails scratching over her skin. A moan escaped her lips. She knew there was still practice to be had, outfits to be chosen for the concert, plans to be finalized, but just for the moment she wanted to revel in how normal her life felt. It was just her and Gianni. She didn’t think she’d ever need anything more. His lips pressed a kiss to the top of her head.
“We should shower at least,” he mumbled into her hair.
“Mmm, do we have to move right now? Can’t we pretend the sun hasn’t risen yet?”
“You know I can’t ignore the internal clock,” he said with a laugh.
Kenzie knew it was true. The man was always up at 6 a.m. She could hear him moving around in his room, walking down the halls. Still, he didn’t move. Instead, he pulled her in closer, let his hand rest on her butt as he stroked her skin slowly. Teasing.
“Of course, I could be persuaded to stay in bed a little longer,” he said quietly, a smile on his face.
Kenzie giggled before she looked up at him. He leaned down, pressed a kiss on her mouth before he rolled on top of her. She started protesting, but laughing as he began to nibble on her neck.
“Hey, come on. You said shower. There’s a thing called morning breath…”
“We’ll just do it like this then,” he said before he flipped her over, pressing her breasts into the mattress. His strong arms yanked her hips up into the air. She squealed.
“No, no. Stop it! I’m going to go shower!”
Kenzie hopped out of the bed before running into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her. Gianni grinned to himself. He knew one way to get her moving when he needed to. The man knew they were both sore from the night before, her even more so as he’d brought her to her limit again and again until she simply lay on the mattress, eyes staring out into space.
She heard the bathroom door open. A few moments later, Gianni was stepping into the shower next to her. They took their time washing each other, admiring each other’s bodies with their fingers, one or twice with a wayward tongue. When they were clean, they hopped out, quickly trying to keep themselves from having to shower all over again.
“I was thinking,” Gianni said. “Since you’re taking a break from practice today. How about a date?”
Kenzie’s face lit up immediately. She had planned to simply stay home, practice in the mirror the best she could. Going on a date with Gianni hadn’t even crossed her mind, but here he was asking. His usually stoic face was anxious, nervous she realized. It made her smile. If she didn’t know him so well, she’d call him innocent.
“I would love that.”
She watched his face relax. Her hand slipped into his. Gianni brushed a strand of hair from her forehead, leaning in before placing a kiss on her cheek. It was the sweetest gesture she'd ever experienced. There was no ulterior motive, no expectation, just happiness. When he pulled away, it took a moment for Kenzie to clear her head before she began to bubble with excitement.
“So, where are we going? Or have you not planned it yet?”
“I know exactly where we're going.”
“Tell me.”
Gianni grinned, the smug smile back on his face in a flash. “It's a surprise.”
Kenzie glared at him. “I hate surprises.”
“Liar,” he said as he kissed her forehead then started walking down the hallway. “Let's go!”
“Where are we going?”
“To get changed so we can go. Our date lasts all day.”
Kenzie grinned as she followed after him into her room. He was pushing through clothes in the closet and drawer, searching for what, she had no idea. Instead of asking, she sat on the bed in her shorts and bra, watching him. He’d already picked out a pair of jeans for her, next came a bright orange shirt that she never wore.
“I don’t want to wear that,” she said.
“Why not? Orange is my favorite color.”
Kenzie hadn’t known that. Instead of complaining, she shrugged, decided that she’d wear it for him one day before she tossed it onto the next bonfire. He even found one of her old wigs, an all black one that she used to wear to shows sometimes.
“We’re going in disguise today,” he said with a grin. “I figured with the album coming out, the vultures will be out in full effect.”
“I didn’t think of that. I haven’t really had to deal with them in so long…” She trailed off.
Gianni continued to work as she watched him. She was impressed with the way he thought about her, the way he thought about protecting her that had much more to do with his job. When he’d gotten everything together for her, he let her get ready while he disappeared into the other bedroom. She slipped on the jeans, the bright orange shirt that was slightly see through and light and a pair of dark flats. After she’d wrapped her hair in a
bun, she slipped the wig over her hair. It was long, slightly wavy. She pushed her fingers, then a brush, through the hair until it was perfect. Just as she was gliding a tube of lip gloss across her lips, he knocked on the door before stepping in.
When she looked at him, she whistled. He was dressed in a pair of jeans, a white t-shirt that stretched across his strong chest. His hair was pushed out of his face. It was such a low key look for him that she couldn’t help but admire it. She’d grown used to seeing him dressed in suits, ties and shiny black shoes. The natural look suited him. She grinned.
“You still haven’t told me where we’re going,” she said.
“I told you, it’s a surprise, but I know you a little better now. You’ll like it.”
Kenzie followed him out into the brilliantly bright day. He opened her door for her, letting her slide in before he closed it. When they started to drive, she felt the excitement of a child run through her body. She turned up the radio, blasted songs until she was singing at the top of her lungs along with them.
Her mouth flew open when Gianni joined in. His fingers thumped against the steering wheel as he bobbed his head. She watched him in silence for a while before she giggled. Together they sang every song that came on that they knew. Her hand lingered out of the window, the wind like silk against her fingertips as they zipped along the highway.
It didn’t take too long before they pulled up to a big building. The name wasn’t one she recognized. He parked the car before he opened her door for her once more. As they walked, her hand slipped into his. They closer they got to the place, the more noise she heard emanating from the inside.
“What is this place?” She asked.
They stepped inside. Right away she felt at home. There were rows upon rows of arcade games, old and new. People of all ages ran through the place, laughing as some games lit up spitting out rows of tickets. Kenzie hadn’t seen the inside of an arcade in so long, that she stared in awe for a long time before she hugged Gianni’s arm.
